Program: The Cookhouse is the latest project in an ongoing renovation of an abandoned homestead in rural Montana. Over the last 15 years, the clients have renovated and expanded a number of structures for a working ranch and family vacation compound. The 2,800-square-foot Cookhouse is meant to be the hub of ranch activity; its kitchen and living areas are large enough to accommodate extended family dinners and community gatherings.

The architects were charged with designing a structure that would complement—but not overwhelm—the neighboring buildings. The severe climate in south-central Montana was a major concern; temperatures can fluctuate by as much as 115 degrees and 75-mile-per-hour wind gusts are not uncommon.

Solution: At one-and-a-half stories, the house, clad in stained wood, complements the other clapboard structures. The orientation of the house is east-west so the narrow ends point into the wind, while an overhang shields the wrap-around porch. Dormers in the steep, gabled roof provide additional light and ventilation.

In planning the living spaces, Fernau + Hartman organized the house, completed in September 2012, around a central axis containing a long gallery for the client’s collection of Western art. On the first floor, a mudroom, pantry, kitchen, dining, and living spaces branch off the central gallery, while a master bedroom and children’s room extend off the gallery on the second floor. The axis also connects the entire house to a thermal chimney projecting from the roof, which keeps the house cool in the summer. In the winter, geothermal heat and wood stoves warm the house.

EnergyEnergy management or building automation system:
Thermal chimney evacuates hot air through operable windows, with independently operable fans (by Tamarack) that are automatically sealed off by insulated covers when not in use.

Ground source heat pump for hot water & radiant heat, with outdoor reset system that automatically supplies cooler water or shuts off when outdoor temperatures are higher.

To write a comment about this story, please sign in. If this is your first time commenting on this site, you will be required to fill out a brief registration form. Your public username will be the beginning of the email address that you enter into the form (everything before the @ symbol). Other than that, none of the information that you enter will be publically displayed.

We welcome comments from all points of view. Off-topic or abusive comments, however, will be removed at the editors’ discretion.